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Originally published May 2007 [ Publisher Link ]
JSF Frameworks : Shale and Seam
JSF (JavaServer Faces) was created to address many of the shortcomings present in its Java Web-tier predecessors: JavaServer Pages (JSP) and servlets. But although JSF incorporates many novel approaches to developing Web-based applications from earlier technologies, bringing in a fresh approach to developing Java on the Web tier also comes with its share of challenges. To this end, two frameworks are already being used to streamline the use of JSF components in combination with other Java elements: Shale, developed by the Apache Software Foundation, and Seam, developed by JBoss. This article describes the value these two frameworks bring to your developments with JavaServer Faces
JavaServer Faces (JSF) brings a new paradigm to developing Web-based applications in Java. Released a few years ago, but now slated to become part of Java Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE is Sun's new name for J2EE), JSF will gradually supplant the old manner of structuring Java Web tier applications in JavaServer Pages (JSP) and servlets. JSF, whether by standardizing multi-device renderable UI components for delivering specific device markup, or allowing interfaces to be defined by prebuilt parts -- widgets, buttons, menus, among other things -- or tightening the link between client-side events and server application logic, is an embodiment of lessons learned from Java Web development throughout the years.
However, its out-of-the-box state is not without its faults. In this article, I illustrate how a particular set of frameworks -- specifically, Shale from the Apache Software Foundation and Seam from JBoss -- has already stepped up to fill in the gaps of this up-and-coming Java technology. With that said, you should realize that JSF represents an elaborate technology in and of itself, so if you are unfamiliar with its core concepts, you are advised to check out the links in Resources to get up to speed on the terminology used in our exploration, as we will jump right into the deep end of JSF.
Since this article has many code listings and related downloads, you can continue reading this article at the original publication URL at Java World, here: http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/jw-05-2006/jw-0515-jsf.html .